New museum finally opens near Kennewick
The tri-city area, which includes Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, welcomes the opening the long-awaited Hanford Reach National Monument this week.
The idea for the monument, simply called ‘The Reach’ by area residents, began in 2000 when then-President Bill Clinton issued of a proclamation. The only thing that stood in the way of the project being built was a lack of funding: It was estimated that the project would cost $46 million and the area did not have the money.
Finally, the foundation's board hired Lisa Toomey to bring the project to life. She rallied the community, enlisting the help of area students and convincing local businesses to fund the project. Toomey was able to save money on the project by using local construction and federal land.
The 24,000 square foot building features a 4,000 square foot exhibition in the main gallery, as well as a 2,000 square foot open area with views of the Columbia River.
Normal operating hours for the monument and museum are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults. After the opening ceremonies, Toomey plans on holding monthly events at the Reach, each of which will focus on an attraction in the area.
The opening activities run until July 6, and will no doubt be followed by poster and flyer printing campaigns to keep the public in the know.
The idea for the monument, simply called ‘The Reach’ by area residents, began in 2000 when then-President Bill Clinton issued of a proclamation. The only thing that stood in the way of the project being built was a lack of funding: It was estimated that the project would cost $46 million and the area did not have the money.
Finally, the foundation's board hired Lisa Toomey to bring the project to life. She rallied the community, enlisting the help of area students and convincing local businesses to fund the project. Toomey was able to save money on the project by using local construction and federal land.
The 24,000 square foot building features a 4,000 square foot exhibition in the main gallery, as well as a 2,000 square foot open area with views of the Columbia River.
Normal operating hours for the monument and museum are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults. After the opening ceremonies, Toomey plans on holding monthly events at the Reach, each of which will focus on an attraction in the area.
The opening activities run until July 6, and will no doubt be followed by poster and flyer printing campaigns to keep the public in the know.